Manchester United: Mid-season report 2013/14

Rio Ferdinand

In Gary Neville’s case West Bromwich Albion brought the curtain down on a fine career; the full-back’s performance so abject that he retired shortly after the Midlanders walked off the Old Trafford pitch. Perhaps the cruelest assessment of Ferdinand’s season is that his ‘West Brom moment’ has seemingly come in repetition. That Rio did not even make United’s squad for the Red’s victory over Hull City says much – his time is up, retirement probably overdue. His has been an outstanding career. 4/10

Jonny Evans

The northern Irishman has many commendable facets, not least a growing maturity that befits the 25-year-old. After all, Evans is reaching a prime – a period in his career when the best performances should come. For the most part Evans remains United’s most consistent and reliable central defender. Yet, the suspicion endures that there is always a mistake waiting to happen; too many for an élite player. It is a difference between Evans and the very best in his position. 7/10

Phil Jones

Progress has come through an injury-free period and a more consistent starting berth in which Jones has impressed in both central midfield and defensive positions. Fans have come to expect the bombastic – it is maturity that is now the watchword for Jones. Can the Englishman develop into the world-class central defender many believe resides within? And can that happen if he is consistently deployed in a central midfield role that does not always suit? 7/10

Alexander Büttner

Büttner is little more than squad filler. In truth, this has been the Dutchman’s role from the moment he signed for United – to protect Evra’s legs and to serve the greater good. Strange then that Büttner should claim he was promised up to 20 games a season by Ferguson and a long-term transition away from Evra to the Dutchman. It will never happen. n/a

Nemanja Vidi?

This is surely the downslope in Vidi?’s United career. Still the club’s most natural defender, Vidi? has suffered both for injury and inconsistency this season. There is the suspicion that the Serbian’s legs have finally gone – a lack of pace that when deployed in certain combinations dramatically affects United’s tactical approach. Vidi? is a fine defender, but he may no longer be the right defender at Old Trafford. 5/10

Chris Smalling

There is so much more to come from the former Fulham defender, but how long can Moyes wait for the finished product to shine through? Smalling has all the physical assets and many of the technical ones to make it at United. Consistency, fitness and a permanent spot in central defence and not at right-back is surely the key. Yet, Smalling is too often found out in possession – he should love the ball far more than he does. 6/10

Antonio Valencia

There have been times this season when Valencia’s old confidence returned. Such as a pity that these moments have been sporadic, not the norm. True, Valencia has always been a one club hitter, but when it is effective, Valencia’s hug-the-touchline approach is very effective. Yet, the winger’s tendency is now to check his natural instincts; to cut inside rather than beat his man; to hold back and not attack. It is a serious and suspiciously permanent failing. 6/10

Nani

United offered Nani a contract extension this summer simply to retain the winger’s transfer value – it is the obvious conclusion five months hence. After all, Nani’s position in Moyes’ squad is little different to that in Ferguson’s, where the veteran Scot had not only marginalised the Portuguese international but sought to offload him to Zenit St. Petersburg last winter. 4/10

Ashley Young

Young has become the poster child for the more disaffected among United’s support. The former Aston Villa winger has done little, bar the irregular goal, to justify his acquisition more than two years ago. The goals, such as those against Stoke City and West Ham United, mask what has largely been a series of mediocre performances. United desperately need an upgrade. 5/10